Low Codeine Abuse and Suboxone

[JeanJM]

Hi everyone I’m new here but have concerns about Suboxone.

So I’ve been taking 270mg of Codeine throughout the day, every day for the last 7 years. I have never gone over that amount but sometimes I have less, it depends how I feel that day. I work full time and my family knows but it’s never been an issue as it doesn’t stop me from getting on with my life or negatively affect my behavior.

But I went to CADS anyway to discuss my options and they prescribed me the pure codeine while I worked out which path is for me. The Dr suggested I go on Suboxone which I really do not want to do as I believe it’s more addictive and harder to come off and has more negative health effects, plus I’ve been reading so many stories and most have been negative.

Tomorrow the Dr is going to trial me on Dihydrocodeine to see how that goes. I don’t think my Dr understands that while I am chemically addicted its more my daily routine and not trying to always chase that high otherwise I would of taken more by now even though I’ve tried explaining this over and over.

One other thing that concerns me, my Dr said he hasn’t had experience with Suboxone so was curious to see how it would go with me O.O

[JeanJM]

After taking my partner in with me the Doctor is going to put me back on Codeine Maintenance and I can get on with my life once again O.O shame it's too late to save my job :(

[JeanJM]

I am fully addicted to it and accept that but I shouldn't be forced onto Suboxone or Methadone. It will turn a low dose addiction into a full blown beast.

[EvolverU]

I know very little about the laws in New Zealand. If he's an 'addiction specialist' and put you on Codeine Phosphate as a 'maintenance' and you were up front w/ him - isn't he bound by law to continue you? I despise the new trend (and we have it in this country, too.) of herding addicts onto harder drugs. Vickie's right, it's a Big Pharma/Dr. cash cow. It sounds to me like this doctor wants to add Suboxone to his 'arsenal' (it's quite lucrative.) Don't be his guinea pig! I'm curious to know how old this Dr, is. I have  a couple of thoughts I'm going to PM you, Jean. Hang in there.

[Jimmyswe]

I think you should find a doctor who can taper you slowly off the codeine.

Codeine is very addictive, and not a solution long term for "not functioning".

No judgement, just my experience.

[JeanJM]

and I'm 26 and knew 7 years ago I was addicted and was happy to live my life that way since no one got hurt or it wasn't destructive. My family knows and doesn't see it as a problem until this Doctor has come in mucked everything up.

[JeanJM]

I was only getting in trouble at work because of the Sustained release DHC. codeine never makes me tired or unable to do my work and the max I will have at 1 time is only 60mg